Posted: Sun, Jan 14, 2018, 5:39 PM ET (2239 GMT)
A classified payload launched on a Falcon 9 January 7 is rumored to have been lost. The Falcon 9 lifted off at 8:00 pm EST (0100 GMT January 8) carrying a payload known only as Zuma, built by Northrop Grumman for an unidentified US government agency. While the launch was initially reported to be a success, government sources claim that the mission is feared lost because it either broke up or reentered shortly after launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9. Northrop Grumman has declined to comment on the mission, citing its classified nature. SpaceX has said the Falcon 9 performed as planned, rebutting claims it might have been responsible for the failure. The Defense Department has declined to comment on the mission as well.